2009 Online Gift Giving Trends

Shopping online for a gift has gotten super trendy. There are many reasons that online shopping has become the hottest place to buy a gift, including affordability, easy comparison shopping and easy ordering & shipping at the click of a mouse. Online stores have tapped into this trend and have developed the most creative and well-loved gift giving ideas that incorporate food. Studies have shown that the best gifts are food related and non-gender specific. The highest rated gifts to give and receive are as follows:

Cookie Gift Baskets:
Sending a gift basket of cookies is virtually the best gift. People of all ages love cookies, and to receive them in a cleverly designed package is perfectly scrumptious. These types of baskets can be sent to college students on their journey away from home, to a loved one just because you're thinking about him or her, as condolences, just for fun, for special occasions or just to say hello. Cookie baskets can be found in a variety of prices and designs. Several online cookie companies are even changing the definition of a cookie basket to include a sophisticated, boutique-like gift with gorgeous packaging. This is a gift that is guaranteed to bring a smile to the receiver's face.

Designer Cookies:
Cookies can be designed and arranged in a vast variety of ways. One increasing trend is designer cookies. What I mean by designer cookies is beautifully decorated and handcrafted cookies with your all-time favorite designs/T.V. characters or even a picture of you and your loved one. Personalize your edible gift specifically for your loved one or recipient.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
This sinfully sweet gift will definitely be a huge hit. Chocolate covered strawberries have become increasingly popular because they are considered a delicacy. Ordering chocolate covered strawberries is typically a rarity for many people, which makes this the perfect gift. When you receive something to which you don't normally treat yourself, you know you've got the right gift.

Beer and Wine Baskets:
These baskets are perfect for your 21 and over friends. They're extremely popular to order online. However, they are one of the only items in the above suggestions that are actually feasible to create just as nicely on your own. If your friend loves beer, for example, purchase a variety pack of beer so your friend or loved one can sample all the best flavors of their favorite brew. You can easily do the same for wines.

Variety Popcorn Baskets:
Popcorn baskets contain a variety of flavors of popcorn, such as: caramel, cheese, white cheddar and butter. There are many different styles of popcorn baskets to choose from; from tins to pop corn balls, these types of baskets have been highly rated for years.

These are some of the greatest gifts to surprise people with because they're fun, unique, and everyone loves something edible. In addition, they're always loved by the receivers! Not only are these baskets well loved, they can be found in very affordable options.

Loretta Young has studied online gift giving trends for over 7 years. She has recently written several trend reports about cookie delivery. Young analyzes trends to determine the marketing efforts companies should take for specific products. Although she has always found thegourmet food basket to be a popular item, she has seen current trends lean heavily in favor of gourmet cookie baskets.